By Shane Paschal, For the Tribune
BOAZ-Center Point traveled to Boaz in the first round of the AHSAA 5A Playoffs, making their seventh straight trip under seventh-year head coach George Bates.
The Eagles (5-5) were the third-place team from Region 6, while Boaz (8-2) was the second-place team from Region 8.
The game started slow for both teams. There was no scoring in the opening quarter, and the only threat by either team was a drive by Center Point, which ended in a fumble.
The second quarter would see more action, with Boaz opening the scoring on a seven-yard pass for a touchdown, and with the extra point, the Pirates would lead 7-0 with 10:48 left in the half.
The teams would trade possessions, and then Boaz would punt to the Eagles, which would be returned 48 yards by Jaquoryae Busby for a touchdown. Moore would run in the two-point conversion, and with 4:15 left in the half, Center Point held an 8-7 lead over the Pirates. That would be how the half would end.
Center Point got the ball to start the second half, drove down the field, and had a first-and-goal at the Pirate eight-yard line. The Eagles went backward from there and were sacked at the Boaz 22-yard line on fourth down, turning the ball over.
Boaz took the ball and drove down the field, culminating in a twelve-yard quarterback keeper for a touchdown. The two-point pass was good, and with 2:56 left in the third quarter, Boaz led 15-8.
The third quarter would end with Boaz ahead 15-8. Boaz scored again early in the fourth quarter on a ten-yard quarterback keeper, and with the extra point, the Pirates extended their lead to 22-8 with 9:05 left in the game.
Center Point would have a pass intercepted on their next possession at their 29-yard line with 8:15 left. Boaz would drain the clock and score on a seven-yard run. With the extra point, the Pirates extended their lead to 29-8 with 4:34 left.
The Eagles would get the ball back but could not get a first down, turning the ball over on downs with 2:30 left in the game.
Boaz then ran the ball and drained the rest of the clock to win the game, 29-8.
“Had a refreshing week of practice with this week’s team,” said Center Point head coach George Bates. “Coaches had a good plan, and the players executed it well.”
“Tough to win when you have 17 plus penalties and two scores called back,” he said. “Super proud of the coaches and this week’s team attitude and effort. Tough way to end the season and head into an offseason of the unknown.”
Center Point ends its season with a 5-6 record, while Boaz improves to 9-2 and moves on to a second-round game at Corner next week.
